this assumes that, contrary to static trait-based explanations of human behaviour, social life is much more dynamic and creative. From this perspective individuals are seen as being constantly involved in ‘impression management' attempting to define themselves and the encounter they are involved in. Individuals are concerned with the effectiveness of their own impression management activities and those they are interacting with. This perspective has been criticized for underestimating the extent to which roles and behaviour in them are predetermined, for example by the distribution of power.